While the St. Lawrence River continued to rise, and with more rain in the forecast for much of the week, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) issued a Flood Watch Statement for some local inland lakes on Monday.

“Water levels are high following recent rainfall, and the ground has limited ability to absorb additional rainfall,” CRCA officials noted in a statement.

Another 15 to 25 millimetres of rain was forecast for Monday into Tuesday, which would increase water levels further, they added.

If those forecasts prove accurate, flooding may occur in low-lying areas around Singleton Lake, Lower Beverley Lake and Upper Beverley Lake in the Gananoque River watershed, and Colonel By Lake, Cranberry Lake and Sand Lake in the Cataraqui River watershed, the authority added.

“Water managers continue to operate area dams to pass flows down through the system and prevent flooding impacts as much as possible,” the CRCA continued.

People living in flood-prone or low-lying areas were advised to remove items stored in the floodplains of area watercourses and lakes. The CRCA also urged residents to stay away from dams and fast-flowing watercourses.

The CRCA defines a “Flood Watch” as a situation in which “flooding is possible” in specific watercourses or municipalities.

CRCA officials stressed that “widespread flooding is not expected.”

The Flood Watch Statement was expected to remain in effect until, or to be updated before, May 22.

The Environment Canada Brockville forecast was calling for chances of showers into Thursday.

The latest statement comes after the CRCA last Wednesday issued a flood warning for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, with the latter approaching the highs experienced two years ago.

Last Friday, the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB), created by the International Joint Commission (IJC), said it is taking steps to balance water levels across the system.

“With Lake Ontario caught between a flooding Lake Erie and a flooded lower St. Lawrence River, outflows from Lake Ontario continue to be frequently adjusted to balance the impacts of high water levels that are occurring throughout the Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River system,” the board noted in a prepared statement.

The board noted water levels in Lake Ontario currently “remain below the record highs of 2017.”

“The board is constantly monitoring the situation and making use of every opportunity to adjust outflows, with the intent to balance high water levels in the interests of all stakeholders, and to regulate Lake Ontario outflows to provide all possible relief to shoreline property owners and communities both upstream and downstream of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam (in Cornwall),” board officials added.

CRCA officials last week noted the St. Lawrence River at Brockville was approaching 75.3 metres above sea level, which is 0.5 metres below the 100-year level of 75.8 metres in this area along the river.

As of mid-afternoon Monday, the level had reached 75.32 metres above sea level.

In 2017, water levels exceeded 75.8 metres and 75.5 metres on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River respectively.